Courts twice blocked Paxton from interrogating the nun who runs Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley
Paxton’s office tried to force Sister Norma Pimentel, who leads Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, to sit for questioning, without ever filing a lawsuit. The charity had already turned over more than 100 pages of documents and a sworn statement. A Hidalgo County court refused in 2024, and an appeals court upheld that refusal in August 2025.
What happened
As part of investigations of migrant-aid groups, Paxton’s office sought to depose Sister Norma Pimentel before filing any lawsuit against Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley. 01
The charity had already provided more than 100 pages of documents and a sworn statement. A Hidalgo County court denied the request in 2024, and on Aug. 4, 2025, the 15th Court of Appeals upheld that decision 2–1. No lawsuit was filed against the charity. 01
Why it matters
Paxton used the power of his office to pursue a Catholic nun and her charity without filing a case, and courts refused to let him. 01
Timeline
- Appeals court blocks Paxton from interrogating the nun who leads Catholic Charities
What the sources show
Both refusals are court rulings. 01
Paxton’s response
Paxton’s office has said it is investigating migrant-aid groups for possible violations of state law. 01
Sources
- 01Texas AG can’t depose Catholic Charities leader in migrant aid case, appeals court rulesThe Texas Tribune · Aug. 5, 2025
Updates and corrections
- Case file published.